1 00:00:00,510 --> 00:00:03,239 Ted Metellus: It is really an amazing event that a lot of 2 00:00:03,240 --> 00:00:05,580 Ted Metellus: athletes mark off as saying that this is the one 3 00:00:05,580 --> 00:00:07,950 Ted Metellus: we want to do to kick things off or get our 4 00:00:07,950 --> 00:00:11,160 Ted Metellus: summertime training lining ourself up for the TCS New York 5 00:00:11,160 --> 00:00:14,130 Ted Metellus: City Marathon. It's a barometer of fitness and health. 6 00:00:18,660 --> 00:00:22,079 Rob Simmelkjaer: Hey everybody and welcome to Set the Pace, the official 7 00:00:22,079 --> 00:00:26,279 Rob Simmelkjaer: podcast of New York Road Runners, presented by Peloton. I'm 8 00:00:26,280 --> 00:00:28,350 Rob Simmelkjaer: your host and the CEO of New York Road Runners 9 00:00:28,350 --> 00:00:32,280 Rob Simmelkjaer: Rob Simmelkjaer and I am flying solo this week. Happy to 10 00:00:32,280 --> 00:00:35,100 Rob Simmelkjaer: be back with all of you. Missed you all last 11 00:00:35,100 --> 00:00:38,940 Rob Simmelkjaer: week. Becs did a great job. She is away, actually 12 00:00:38,940 --> 00:00:42,510 Rob Simmelkjaer: in London this week. She and her family were over 13 00:00:42,510 --> 00:00:45,420 Rob Simmelkjaer: in London of course this past weekend so that they 14 00:00:45,420 --> 00:00:49,620 Rob Simmelkjaer: could root on Austin. And Austin earned his fifth star 15 00:00:49,620 --> 00:00:55,470 Rob Simmelkjaer: in the TCS London Marathon last weekend. Congratulations to Austin 16 00:00:55,470 --> 00:00:59,340 Rob Simmelkjaer: on that great accomplishment. He ran a really solid time, 3:46: 17 00:00:59,340 --> 00:01:03,600 Rob Simmelkjaer: 37, so only one star away. And we know that 18 00:01:03,600 --> 00:01:06,330 Rob Simmelkjaer: Austin is going to be running Berlin. Hopefully he came 19 00:01:06,330 --> 00:01:09,539 Rob Simmelkjaer: out of London healthy so he can run Berlin coming 20 00:01:09,540 --> 00:01:12,930 Rob Simmelkjaer: up this fall for that big number six star. Hopefully 21 00:01:12,930 --> 00:01:16,470 Rob Simmelkjaer: Becs and her family are enjoying some time in the 22 00:01:16,470 --> 00:01:20,280 Rob Simmelkjaer: UK, her homeland after the London Marathon. And boy, what 23 00:01:20,760 --> 00:01:24,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: a London Marathon it was. It was a beautiful day. 24 00:01:24,270 --> 00:01:26,490 Rob Simmelkjaer: I was not there, but I got lots and lots 25 00:01:26,490 --> 00:01:28,620 Rob Simmelkjaer: of reports from folks. We had a lot of Road 26 00:01:28,620 --> 00:01:31,709 Rob Simmelkjaer: Runners' people on the ground, including by the way, our 27 00:01:31,709 --> 00:01:35,190 Rob Simmelkjaer: guest on today's show, Ted Metellus, the race director of the 28 00:01:35,280 --> 00:01:38,760 Rob Simmelkjaer: TCS New York City Marathon, our chief event production officer. 29 00:01:39,330 --> 00:01:41,520 Rob Simmelkjaer: He was there. He'll be joining us to talk about 30 00:01:41,520 --> 00:01:43,680 Rob Simmelkjaer: that a little bit and also to talk about the 31 00:01:43,680 --> 00:01:47,220 Rob Simmelkjaer: upcoming RBC Brooklyn Half as well, so we'll hear from 32 00:01:47,220 --> 00:01:50,100 Rob Simmelkjaer: Ted in a little while. But it just looked like an incredible 33 00:01:50,100 --> 00:01:52,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: day in London. And not only did they have a 34 00:01:52,830 --> 00:01:56,190 Rob Simmelkjaer: beautiful day, but they also broke a record. That's right, 35 00:01:56,190 --> 00:02:00,960 Rob Simmelkjaer: they broke our recently established record for the largest marathon 36 00:02:01,200 --> 00:02:05,340 Rob Simmelkjaer: in history. This record, it just keeps getting broken, whether 37 00:02:05,340 --> 00:02:09,300 Rob Simmelkjaer: it's New York, Berlin, Paris, now London, it's kind of 38 00:02:09,300 --> 00:02:12,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: like a beach ball getting bounced around from marathon to marathon. 39 00:02:12,570 --> 00:02:16,169 Rob Simmelkjaer: But congratulations to Hugh Brasher and Nick Bitel and all the 40 00:02:16,169 --> 00:02:19,260 Rob Simmelkjaer: folks at London Marathon events for a great day and 41 00:02:19,260 --> 00:02:24,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: a beautiful, beautiful day for over 55, 000 runners in London. 42 00:02:24,540 --> 00:02:27,000 Rob Simmelkjaer: It was really a special day for everybody. Congrats to 43 00:02:27,000 --> 00:02:30,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: all the Road Runners members who ran as well and 44 00:02:30,210 --> 00:02:33,209 Rob Simmelkjaer: finished. We had a great contingency from Team for Kids, 45 00:02:33,210 --> 00:02:36,419 Rob Simmelkjaer: TFK, over there. We just had an incredible day, so 46 00:02:36,419 --> 00:02:39,930 Rob Simmelkjaer: congrats to everybody listening who ran London or Boston for 47 00:02:39,930 --> 00:02:41,970 Rob Simmelkjaer: that matter. I was in Boston a couple of weeks 48 00:02:41,970 --> 00:02:45,630 Rob Simmelkjaer: ago and just it's such an incredible double, that Boston 49 00:02:45,630 --> 00:02:50,459 Rob Simmelkjaer: to London week is perhaps the biggest week in marathon 50 00:02:50,460 --> 00:02:52,590 Rob Simmelkjaer: running. And we know a lot of people who ran 51 00:02:52,590 --> 00:02:55,829 Rob Simmelkjaer: them both amazingly, would run Boston, hop on a plane, 52 00:02:55,830 --> 00:02:58,710 Rob Simmelkjaer: turn around and run London six days later. I saw 53 00:02:58,710 --> 00:03:01,380 Rob Simmelkjaer: a lot of in Boston doing that, so congrats to 54 00:03:01,380 --> 00:03:04,710 Rob Simmelkjaer: everybody who ran anything over that great, great stretch of 55 00:03:04,710 --> 00:03:09,090 Rob Simmelkjaer: spring marathons. Meanwhile, this past weekend, we had a big 56 00:03:09,090 --> 00:03:12,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: day here in New York of our own. The Maybelline 57 00:03:12,750 --> 00:03:16,169 Rob Simmelkjaer: Women's Half was in Central Park, and let me tell 58 00:03:16,169 --> 00:03:19,139 Rob Simmelkjaer: you, it was a gorgeous weekend for running. It was 59 00:03:19,139 --> 00:03:21,419 Rob Simmelkjaer: a little chilly. I know early in the morning there 60 00:03:21,419 --> 00:03:23,220 Rob Simmelkjaer: was a breeze, there was a bit of a chill, 61 00:03:23,490 --> 00:03:26,430 Rob Simmelkjaer: but people came out and the women just came out 62 00:03:26,580 --> 00:03:30,810 Rob Simmelkjaer: in droves. It's such a special event for all these 63 00:03:30,810 --> 00:03:33,480 Rob Simmelkjaer: women to get a chance to run together. Lots of 64 00:03:33,480 --> 00:03:37,470 Rob Simmelkjaer: men on the sidelines cheering them on. And Maybelline, what 65 00:03:37,470 --> 00:03:40,410 Rob Simmelkjaer: a great partnership we have with them. People were so 66 00:03:40,410 --> 00:03:43,680 Rob Simmelkjaer: excited to come out and get all the great free 67 00:03:43,680 --> 00:03:47,070 Rob Simmelkjaer: stuff that Maybelline and the other brands that are part 68 00:03:47,070 --> 00:03:50,850 Rob Simmelkjaer: of L'Oreal were giving out at the Maybelline Women's Half. Hope everybody 69 00:03:50,850 --> 00:03:53,310 Rob Simmelkjaer: had a great day out there in Central Park. We 70 00:03:53,310 --> 00:03:56,820 Rob Simmelkjaer: had over 5, 000 women come out to run this event. 71 00:03:56,820 --> 00:03:59,400 Rob Simmelkjaer: And a shout- out to the winner, Kaitlyn Fischer, who 72 00:03:59,400 --> 00:04:03,330 Rob Simmelkjaer: won with a terrific time of 1:19: 09 on that 73 00:04:03,330 --> 00:04:07,200 Rob Simmelkjaer: challenging Central Park course, but it was a great day 74 00:04:07,200 --> 00:04:10,590 Rob Simmelkjaer: for all concerned, so congratulations to everybody who ran on 75 00:04:10,590 --> 00:04:13,530 Rob Simmelkjaer: Sunday here in New York. Hope everybody had a great 76 00:04:13,650 --> 00:04:17,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: day. Well, we're just over two weeks out from the 77 00:04:17,040 --> 00:04:19,320 Rob Simmelkjaer: RBC Brooklyn Half, and as I mentioned, we're going to 78 00:04:19,320 --> 00:04:22,560 Rob Simmelkjaer: have New York Road Runners chief event production officer and 79 00:04:22,560 --> 00:04:25,890 Rob Simmelkjaer: race director Ted Metellus, to tell us everything we need 80 00:04:25,890 --> 00:04:28,380 Rob Simmelkjaer: to know if you're running this year, so in a 81 00:04:28,380 --> 00:04:30,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: moment we're going to get to all of that. Then 82 00:04:30,570 --> 00:04:33,180 Rob Simmelkjaer: later in the show, Meb Keflezighi will be here for 83 00:04:33,180 --> 00:04:35,940 Rob Simmelkjaer: today's Meb Minute. He's going to help us kick off 84 00:04:35,940 --> 00:04:39,719 Rob Simmelkjaer: mental health Awareness Month for the month of May with 85 00:04:39,720 --> 00:04:43,320 Rob Simmelkjaer: his thoughts on how running can contribute to your mental 86 00:04:43,320 --> 00:04:46,680 Rob Simmelkjaer: wellness. And speaking of mental health awareness month, this coming 87 00:04:46,680 --> 00:04:50,070 Rob Simmelkjaer: weekend, we've got the New York Road Runners Mindful 5K, 88 00:04:50,070 --> 00:04:51,779 Rob Simmelkjaer: and we're so excited for the second year in a 89 00:04:51,779 --> 00:04:55,080 Rob Simmelkjaer: row to really have a race that shines a light 90 00:04:55,080 --> 00:04:57,930 Rob Simmelkjaer: on the importance of mental health and the role that 91 00:04:57,930 --> 00:05:01,080 Rob Simmelkjaer: running can play in improving all of our mental health. 92 00:05:01,200 --> 00:05:03,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: I'm excited to be out there for that. That's out 93 00:05:03,270 --> 00:05:06,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: at Flushing Meadows Park in Queens. Hope to see many 94 00:05:06,210 --> 00:05:09,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: of you out there at the Mindful 5K coming up 95 00:05:09,300 --> 00:05:13,380 Rob Simmelkjaer: this weekend. Ready to see real results. Try the Peloton 96 00:05:13,380 --> 00:05:16,770 Rob Simmelkjaer: app for free and get expert design running programs that 97 00:05:16,770 --> 00:05:21,120 Rob Simmelkjaer: build speed, strength, and endurance. Run outdoors with real time 98 00:05:21,120 --> 00:05:24,810 Rob Simmelkjaer: coaching as instructors guide your form and pace every step 99 00:05:24,810 --> 00:05:28,260 Rob Simmelkjaer: of the way. Plus, Strength for Runners, a program built 100 00:05:28,260 --> 00:05:31,770 Rob Simmelkjaer: to help runners boost muscle and prevent injury, complements your 101 00:05:31,770 --> 00:05:35,130 Rob Simmelkjaer: training so you can crush your goals even faster. Try 102 00:05:35,130 --> 00:05:37,680 Rob Simmelkjaer: the app for free for 30 days and download it 103 00:05:37,680 --> 00:05:40,589 Rob Simmelkjaer: now from the app store or Google Play, terms apply. 104 00:05:41,010 --> 00:05:44,310 Rob Simmelkjaer: Peloton, the official digital fitness partner of New York Road 105 00:05:44,310 --> 00:05:47,550 Rob Simmelkjaer: Runners. All right, as we get set for the RBC 106 00:05:47,550 --> 00:05:50,520 Rob Simmelkjaer: Brooklyn Half, we welcome back to the show, the man 107 00:05:50,520 --> 00:05:52,680 Rob Simmelkjaer: who makes it all happen at big events like the 108 00:05:52,680 --> 00:05:56,100 Rob Simmelkjaer: Brooklyn Half New York Road Runners chief event production officer 109 00:05:56,550 --> 00:06:00,239 Rob Simmelkjaer: and the director of all these great events, Ted Metellus. 110 00:06:00,630 --> 00:06:03,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: Ted, nice to see you back here in the United 111 00:06:03,540 --> 00:06:07,260 Rob Simmelkjaer: States of America after your travels overseas to the London 112 00:06:07,260 --> 00:06:10,410 Rob Simmelkjaer: Marathon. We were in Boston together before that. How's it going? 113 00:06:10,980 --> 00:06:14,220 Ted Metellus: Rob Simmelkjaer, I'm doing all right. A little bit of 114 00:06:14,220 --> 00:06:19,050 Ted Metellus: an award tour, making my way from Boston to London 115 00:06:19,050 --> 00:06:24,480 Ted Metellus: to see not only a spectacular pro field, but celebrating 116 00:06:24,480 --> 00:06:26,880 Ted Metellus: so many members of our New York Road Runners members, 117 00:06:27,089 --> 00:06:30,330 Ted Metellus: Team for Kid participants and just members of our New 118 00:06:30,330 --> 00:06:33,750 Ted Metellus: York Road Runnering and community globally. It was really amazing 119 00:06:33,750 --> 00:06:36,120 Ted Metellus: to just run it to so many folks that came 120 00:06:36,120 --> 00:06:37,650 Ted Metellus: over and said thank you for the great work that 121 00:06:37,650 --> 00:06:41,310 Ted Metellus: we're doing, inspiring our youth, our seniors, keeping people moving. 122 00:06:41,820 --> 00:06:43,890 Ted Metellus: It was good times, it was fuel for the soul. 123 00:06:44,820 --> 00:06:48,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: Well, they had a big day in London and congrats 124 00:06:48,570 --> 00:06:53,370 Rob Simmelkjaer: to Hugh Brasher, Nick Bitel, the whole team at London 125 00:06:53,370 --> 00:06:57,930 Rob Simmelkjaer: Marathon events for breaking the world record, which we had 126 00:06:57,930 --> 00:07:01,950 Rob Simmelkjaer: just set in November for the largest marathon ever. Ted, 127 00:07:01,950 --> 00:07:05,820 Rob Simmelkjaer: it's interesting that this record keeps getting broken and broken 128 00:07:05,820 --> 00:07:08,520 Rob Simmelkjaer: and broken. It was Berlin then it was us, now 129 00:07:08,520 --> 00:07:12,150 Rob Simmelkjaer: it's London. Who knows what will happen in November. And 130 00:07:12,150 --> 00:07:14,520 Rob Simmelkjaer: how do you think about this? You and I talk about this a 131 00:07:14,520 --> 00:07:17,040 Rob Simmelkjaer: lot, but how do you think about this record? It 132 00:07:17,040 --> 00:07:20,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: gets a lot of attention. People talk about it. Is 133 00:07:20,790 --> 00:07:23,340 Rob Simmelkjaer: it something people should be paying attention to? Is this 134 00:07:23,340 --> 00:07:28,560 Rob Simmelkjaer: something that you think... At some point it's going to be a record that you can't break, 135 00:07:28,560 --> 00:07:31,530 Rob Simmelkjaer: you can't have, at least we can anytime soon, 100, 000 136 00:07:31,530 --> 00:07:34,890 Rob Simmelkjaer: people in the marathon, so the question is there a 137 00:07:34,890 --> 00:07:38,490 Rob Simmelkjaer: ceiling for this record marathon size thing? 138 00:07:38,970 --> 00:07:41,550 Ted Metellus: Yeah. Listen, if I put my logistics hat on, it's 139 00:07:41,550 --> 00:07:44,070 Ted Metellus: time and space. Those are the things that can safely 140 00:07:44,070 --> 00:07:46,590 Ted Metellus: accommodate volume. You want lots of people, you need lots 141 00:07:46,590 --> 00:07:48,120 Ted Metellus: of time, you need lots of space to be able 142 00:07:48,120 --> 00:07:51,420 Ted Metellus: to facilitate that. But I think to answer the question, 143 00:07:51,420 --> 00:07:55,590 Ted Metellus: I think it's fantastic. High tide raise all boats. A 144 00:07:55,590 --> 00:07:57,690 Ted Metellus: conversation we were having as race directors and a conversation 145 00:07:57,690 --> 00:07:59,940 Ted Metellus: we've been having in the industry is six years ago, 146 00:07:59,940 --> 00:08:01,830 Ted Metellus: seven years ago, there was a lot to talk about 147 00:08:01,920 --> 00:08:03,989 Ted Metellus: how do we keep the marathon going? How do we 148 00:08:03,990 --> 00:08:06,600 Ted Metellus: keep the interest and engagement with the marathon going? How 149 00:08:06,600 --> 00:08:09,870 Ted Metellus: do we change the demographic as many marathoners we're aging 150 00:08:09,870 --> 00:08:14,730 Ted Metellus: out? And we are seeing a pretty significant change in 151 00:08:14,730 --> 00:08:17,310 Ted Metellus: the marathon distance and so many people getting out there and 152 00:08:17,310 --> 00:08:19,410 Ted Metellus: really marking this as a goal that they want to 153 00:08:19,410 --> 00:08:24,750 Ted Metellus: accomplish. You talked about Berlin, Paris did it as well 154 00:08:24,750 --> 00:08:26,910 Ted Metellus: last year, so we are seeing this on a global 155 00:08:26,910 --> 00:08:30,810 Ted Metellus: scale where so many people are saying, " I want to 156 00:08:30,810 --> 00:08:32,850 Ted Metellus: run a marathon, I want to train for a marathon. I want 157 00:08:33,059 --> 00:08:36,059 Ted Metellus: to engage with this 26. 2 mile journey. I want 158 00:08:36,059 --> 00:08:39,000 Ted Metellus: others to do it with me." And they see their 159 00:08:39,000 --> 00:08:41,130 Ted Metellus: loved ones, family, friends, and neighbors do it and they're 160 00:08:41,130 --> 00:08:43,740 Ted Metellus: then inspired to do the same thing. That's what we're 161 00:08:43,740 --> 00:08:46,980 Ted Metellus: starting to see now is this tremendous boom in running, 162 00:08:47,610 --> 00:08:50,910 Ted Metellus: particularly in the marathon distance, but everything in between. 163 00:08:51,870 --> 00:08:54,840 Rob Simmelkjaer: It is a virtuous cycle, as we say, more people 164 00:08:54,840 --> 00:08:57,150 Rob Simmelkjaer: do, it makes more people want to do it. It's 165 00:08:57,150 --> 00:09:01,559 Rob Simmelkjaer: the inspiration you get from watching others run in Boston 166 00:09:01,559 --> 00:09:04,320 Rob Simmelkjaer: or London or New York. And so we love it. 167 00:09:04,320 --> 00:09:07,440 Rob Simmelkjaer: We congratulate all of our friends in Boston and in 168 00:09:07,679 --> 00:09:11,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: London for a great 10 days of racing and running. 169 00:09:11,790 --> 00:09:14,640 Rob Simmelkjaer: And it goes on from here. We're excited. And so 170 00:09:14,640 --> 00:09:17,309 Rob Simmelkjaer: here in New York, Ted, it goes on at the 171 00:09:17,309 --> 00:09:21,780 Rob Simmelkjaer: RBC Brooklyn Half. And Ted, this race, speaking of popularity, 172 00:09:21,780 --> 00:09:24,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: continues to get more and more popular. We had a 173 00:09:24,960 --> 00:09:27,660 Rob Simmelkjaer: record number of people try to get into this race 174 00:09:27,660 --> 00:09:30,360 Rob Simmelkjaer: this year. The numbers are going to be big yet 175 00:09:30,360 --> 00:09:33,689 Rob Simmelkjaer: again. Hopefully we get good weather. And I think tied 176 00:09:33,690 --> 00:09:37,500 Rob Simmelkjaer: to that popularity, Ted, is a big decision that you 177 00:09:37,500 --> 00:09:41,429 Rob Simmelkjaer: and your team made to change the format of the 178 00:09:41,429 --> 00:09:44,730 Rob Simmelkjaer: start of the RBC Brooklyn Half and increase the number 179 00:09:44,730 --> 00:09:46,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: of waves. And this is something we talked about for 180 00:09:46,830 --> 00:09:49,770 Rob Simmelkjaer: a while. This was a two wave race, but the 181 00:09:49,770 --> 00:09:54,120 Rob Simmelkjaer: numbers just justify adding more waves. Can you talk about 182 00:09:54,390 --> 00:09:56,910 Rob Simmelkjaer: that decision, Ted, and what that's going to mean for 183 00:09:56,910 --> 00:09:57,450 Rob Simmelkjaer: the runners? 184 00:09:58,620 --> 00:10:00,690 Ted Metellus: Rob, you hit it on the head when you're looking 185 00:10:00,690 --> 00:10:04,230 Ted Metellus: at volume and scope and to my earliest comment on 186 00:10:04,230 --> 00:10:07,650 Ted Metellus: time and space, how do you help manage that? We 187 00:10:07,650 --> 00:10:12,750 Ted Metellus: have an amazing venue over by the Brooklyn Museum, these 188 00:10:12,750 --> 00:10:14,760 Ted Metellus: amazing landmarks that we have by our start, and I'll 189 00:10:14,760 --> 00:10:16,950 Ted Metellus: talk about that in a moment. But what we want 190 00:10:16,950 --> 00:10:19,800 Ted Metellus: to do to be able to facilitate a smooth operation 191 00:10:19,800 --> 00:10:23,550 Ted Metellus: for the 28, 000 runners was taking the same amount of 192 00:10:23,550 --> 00:10:25,320 Ted Metellus: time that we have for those two waves and breaking 193 00:10:25,320 --> 00:10:28,590 Ted Metellus: them into four waves. And what that ultimately does is 194 00:10:28,590 --> 00:10:32,040 Ted Metellus: allow an easier flow for athletes to get bags dropped 195 00:10:32,250 --> 00:10:36,600 Ted Metellus: through security, pre- race needs as far as fluids, restrooms, 196 00:10:36,600 --> 00:10:38,640 Ted Metellus: things of that nature, and then making their way over to 197 00:10:38,640 --> 00:10:42,929 Ted Metellus: the start. There will be four starts for the RBC Brooklyn 198 00:10:42,929 --> 00:10:47,040 Ted Metellus: Half Marathon. First wave leaves at 7: 00 AM, second 199 00:10:47,040 --> 00:10:51,870 Ted Metellus: wave 7: 25, third wave at 7: 50 and the last wave 200 00:10:51,960 --> 00:10:55,920 Ted Metellus: is at 8: 15. What's amazing is this is within 201 00:10:55,920 --> 00:10:58,559 Ted Metellus: the same timeframe that we were able to release the 202 00:10:58,559 --> 00:11:01,890 Ted Metellus: two waves that we had in previous years. Breaking that 203 00:11:01,890 --> 00:11:04,110 Ted Metellus: up there allows a little bit more space at the 204 00:11:04,110 --> 00:11:06,809 Ted Metellus: start, a little bit more space along the route and 205 00:11:06,809 --> 00:11:10,110 Ted Metellus: obviously a smooth finish with the athletes making their way 206 00:11:10,110 --> 00:11:11,070 Ted Metellus: down to Coney Island. 207 00:11:11,370 --> 00:11:12,600 Rob Simmelkjaer: And that's going to be a big win for the 208 00:11:12,600 --> 00:11:14,910 Rob Simmelkjaer: runners, Ted, because in the couple of years I've been 209 00:11:14,910 --> 00:11:17,699 Rob Simmelkjaer: here, those are the comments we typically have gotten about 210 00:11:17,700 --> 00:11:21,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: this race. People love the race, they love the course, 211 00:11:21,360 --> 00:11:24,480 Rob Simmelkjaer: especially the finish on Coney Island. It's such an incredibly 212 00:11:24,510 --> 00:11:27,990 Rob Simmelkjaer: popular race, but there were times when people felt it 213 00:11:27,990 --> 00:11:29,760 Rob Simmelkjaer: was a little bit crowded, especially in the first couple of 214 00:11:29,760 --> 00:11:31,860 Rob Simmelkjaer: miles, so this is going to open that up. And 215 00:11:32,040 --> 00:11:35,250 Rob Simmelkjaer: Ted, do you think that runners will see a noticeable 216 00:11:35,250 --> 00:11:36,780 Rob Simmelkjaer: difference with this new setup? 217 00:11:37,260 --> 00:11:41,040 Ted Metellus: Absolutely they will. And we've really been working hard on 218 00:11:41,040 --> 00:11:44,610 Ted Metellus: the logistical components of ensuring a smooth start to our 219 00:11:44,610 --> 00:11:47,910 Ted Metellus: events across the board, whether it's our smaller weekly races 220 00:11:48,090 --> 00:11:51,150 Ted Metellus: to these larger scale marquee events. Rob, when you think 221 00:11:51,150 --> 00:11:53,880 Ted Metellus: about the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon and its history and 222 00:11:53,880 --> 00:11:57,840 Ted Metellus: its legacy, this event is 42 years of running, 42 223 00:11:57,840 --> 00:11:59,760 Ted Metellus: years, and if you were to take a guess at 224 00:11:59,760 --> 00:12:02,309 Ted Metellus: the number of finishers we've had to date, not counting 225 00:12:02,309 --> 00:12:04,350 Ted Metellus: what we're going to be doing in 18 days of 226 00:12:04,350 --> 00:12:13,349 Ted Metellus: today's recording, but we've had over 334,275 finishers. The race 227 00:12:13,350 --> 00:12:15,990 Ted Metellus: used to actually start in Coney Island and end in 228 00:12:15,990 --> 00:12:19,800 Ted Metellus: Prospect Park then, and we did that from '96 to 2008. And 229 00:12:19,800 --> 00:12:22,679 Ted Metellus: then it was in 2009 that we went from a 230 00:12:22,679 --> 00:12:27,360 Ted Metellus: beautiful Prospect Park neighborhood area, so that's the Grand Army 231 00:12:27,360 --> 00:12:31,290 Ted Metellus: Plaza, that is the Brooklyn Museum, that's the Brooklyn Library, 232 00:12:31,470 --> 00:12:33,990 Ted Metellus: that's the Prospect Park Zoo. Those are all of the 233 00:12:33,990 --> 00:12:36,390 Ted Metellus: beautiful things that you see now and have been seeing 234 00:12:36,390 --> 00:12:39,420 Ted Metellus: since 2009 as we make our way down to beautiful 235 00:12:39,420 --> 00:12:42,030 Ted Metellus: Coney Island. I share all that for context. You know I'm a 236 00:12:42,030 --> 00:12:44,220 Ted Metellus: big fan of context to tell you where we've been 237 00:12:44,220 --> 00:12:47,160 Ted Metellus: and where we're going to see that the growth of 238 00:12:47,160 --> 00:12:49,199 Ted Metellus: what we do at New York Road Runners has been 239 00:12:49,200 --> 00:12:52,080 Ted Metellus: tremendously impactful and there is not going to be very 240 00:12:52,080 --> 00:12:55,410 Ted Metellus: many people, including you and I, that haven't ran in 241 00:12:55,410 --> 00:12:57,660 Ted Metellus: this race. The last time I ran this race was 242 00:12:57,660 --> 00:13:01,110 Ted Metellus: in 2017 and I dug up my medal and my medal 243 00:13:01,110 --> 00:13:03,240 Ted Metellus: badge here and there's my medal from the last time 244 00:13:03,240 --> 00:13:03,630 Ted Metellus: I ran in 2017- 245 00:13:03,630 --> 00:13:03,991 Rob Simmelkjaer: Look at that. 246 00:13:03,991 --> 00:13:08,070 Ted Metellus: ... before coming back to New York Road Runners in 2018, so 247 00:13:08,340 --> 00:13:11,100 Ted Metellus: it is really an amazing event that a lot of 248 00:13:11,100 --> 00:13:13,439 Ted Metellus: athletes mark off as saying that this is the one 249 00:13:13,440 --> 00:13:15,809 Ted Metellus: we want to do to kick things off or get our 250 00:13:15,809 --> 00:13:19,020 Ted Metellus: summertime training, lining ourself up for the TCS New York 251 00:13:19,020 --> 00:13:21,960 Ted Metellus: City Marathon. It's a great way, a barometer of fitness 252 00:13:21,960 --> 00:13:25,710 Ted Metellus: and health here, a local event, a really strong community 253 00:13:25,710 --> 00:13:29,040 Ted Metellus: event that gets people out there. And we'll be sprinkling 254 00:13:29,040 --> 00:13:31,080 Ted Metellus: in a little bit when we chat about the youth 255 00:13:31,080 --> 00:13:33,120 Ted Metellus: component as well that we'll see out there, so- 256 00:13:33,120 --> 00:13:33,451 Rob Simmelkjaer: I love it, Ted. 257 00:13:33,451 --> 00:13:35,400 Ted Metellus: ... a little buzz there to get you excited. 258 00:13:35,520 --> 00:13:38,550 Rob Simmelkjaer: I'm so sad I've never run this race. It's a 259 00:13:38,550 --> 00:13:40,650 Rob Simmelkjaer: shame I've never run this race. 260 00:13:40,830 --> 00:13:44,460 Ted Metellus: Rob, we got to fix that. I know a guy. 261 00:13:44,460 --> 00:13:44,640 Ted Metellus: I know a guy. 262 00:13:46,020 --> 00:13:50,370 Rob Simmelkjaer: Introduce me to this guy who could get me into the races. I'd love to know this 263 00:13:50,370 --> 00:13:53,729 Rob Simmelkjaer: guy. You know how I am. I don't like to 264 00:13:53,730 --> 00:13:57,150 Rob Simmelkjaer: run our big races because our team is working so 265 00:13:57,150 --> 00:14:00,809 Rob Simmelkjaer: hard, there's so much going on. I just never feel 266 00:14:00,809 --> 00:14:03,720 Rob Simmelkjaer: like I should be out there running the marathon or 267 00:14:03,720 --> 00:14:07,950 Rob Simmelkjaer: the United Airlines NYC half or this race. But for 268 00:14:07,950 --> 00:14:10,439 Rob Simmelkjaer: everybody out there, run it for me. I'll be rooting 269 00:14:10,440 --> 00:14:13,170 Rob Simmelkjaer: for you. Carry my hopes and dreams of running the 270 00:14:13,170 --> 00:14:16,440 Rob Simmelkjaer: RBC Brooklyn Half with you that day. I need you 271 00:14:16,440 --> 00:14:17,160 Rob Simmelkjaer: to do it for me. 272 00:14:17,460 --> 00:14:19,560 Ted Metellus: Absolutely. I think one year we're going to have to 273 00:14:19,560 --> 00:14:21,300 Ted Metellus: figure out a way for you to experience the beauty 274 00:14:21,300 --> 00:14:24,060 Ted Metellus: of the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon. I know you're always 275 00:14:24,060 --> 00:14:26,310 Ted Metellus: saying, when I do site visits down in Coney Island, you're 276 00:14:26,310 --> 00:14:28,260 Ted Metellus: always saying to me, " Make sure you get a Nathan's 277 00:14:28,260 --> 00:14:29,370 Ted Metellus: hot dog, please." 278 00:14:29,730 --> 00:14:33,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: 100%. I am so all about getting that hot dog 279 00:14:33,570 --> 00:14:34,890 Rob Simmelkjaer: at the end of this race, but I got to 280 00:14:34,890 --> 00:14:37,140 Rob Simmelkjaer: run it first. I'll just have the hot dog anyway, 281 00:14:37,140 --> 00:14:40,950 Rob Simmelkjaer: Ted. All right, so another big change, not as big, 282 00:14:40,950 --> 00:14:43,110 Rob Simmelkjaer: but I wanted to talk about the pre- party because 283 00:14:43,800 --> 00:14:47,550 Rob Simmelkjaer: it's important I think for people to know that we 284 00:14:47,550 --> 00:14:50,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: send out these surveys after every race, and I think 285 00:14:50,790 --> 00:14:53,700 Rob Simmelkjaer: this is a good conversation to remind people that we 286 00:14:53,730 --> 00:14:57,840 Rob Simmelkjaer: do actually read the survey results. We actually read the 287 00:14:57,840 --> 00:15:02,610 Rob Simmelkjaer: results, we read the comments, we hear what people are 288 00:15:02,610 --> 00:15:06,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: saying, and so we heard comments about course crowding and 289 00:15:06,210 --> 00:15:09,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: that is why you're hearing about four waves in this 290 00:15:09,270 --> 00:15:12,990 Rob Simmelkjaer: race going forward. We also have heard comments about the pre- 291 00:15:12,990 --> 00:15:16,050 Rob Simmelkjaer: party and it's out there in Brooklyn Bridge Park and 292 00:15:16,320 --> 00:15:20,310 Rob Simmelkjaer: the challenges that people do sometimes have, if they're maybe 293 00:15:20,310 --> 00:15:22,620 Rob Simmelkjaer: living in Manhattan or working in Manhattan or they live 294 00:15:22,620 --> 00:15:25,350 Rob Simmelkjaer: in the northern suburbs or even New Jersey, it can 295 00:15:25,350 --> 00:15:28,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: be challenging to get to Brooklyn on the Wednesday, Thursday, 296 00:15:28,830 --> 00:15:31,680 Rob Simmelkjaer: Friday before the race to pick up your bib. There's 297 00:15:31,680 --> 00:15:33,960 Rob Simmelkjaer: two things that we want people to know about that. 298 00:15:33,960 --> 00:15:37,050 Rob Simmelkjaer: First of all, we did make one change the pre- 299 00:15:37,050 --> 00:15:40,830 Rob Simmelkjaer: party hours or earlier this year. We're starting an hour 300 00:15:40,830 --> 00:15:43,530 Rob Simmelkjaer: early one day, so we want to... Make sure you 301 00:15:43,530 --> 00:15:47,280 Rob Simmelkjaer: check the hours because we do have earlier hours for 302 00:15:47,280 --> 00:15:50,340 Rob Simmelkjaer: the pre- party this year on Wednesday, 10:00 to 8: 303 00:15:50,340 --> 00:15:53,760 Rob Simmelkjaer: 30, Thursday, 10: 00 to 8: 30 again. Friday the last 304 00:15:53,760 --> 00:15:56,730 Rob Simmelkjaer: day we opened at 9: 00 AM, so 9:00 AM to 7: 30. 305 00:15:57,180 --> 00:15:59,280 Rob Simmelkjaer: The last bib pick up will be at 7: 00 PM, 306 00:15:59,580 --> 00:16:01,500 Rob Simmelkjaer: so you can get there a little bit earlier than 307 00:16:01,500 --> 00:16:03,690 Rob Simmelkjaer: we've had it in past years, which we're hoping makes 308 00:16:03,690 --> 00:16:05,580 Rob Simmelkjaer: it a bit easier for folks if they want to 309 00:16:05,580 --> 00:16:08,670 Rob Simmelkjaer: get there before work starts or whatever to pick up 310 00:16:08,670 --> 00:16:11,850 Rob Simmelkjaer: their bib. Another thing that we... This is not new, 311 00:16:12,240 --> 00:16:15,300 Rob Simmelkjaer: but we want to make sure people really understand is 312 00:16:15,300 --> 00:16:18,960 Rob Simmelkjaer: that you don't have to personally go to pick up 313 00:16:18,960 --> 00:16:21,210 Rob Simmelkjaer: your bib. If you have a friend, if you're in 314 00:16:21,210 --> 00:16:24,360 Rob Simmelkjaer: a running club and your run club captain is going, 315 00:16:24,630 --> 00:16:27,120 Rob Simmelkjaer: they can pick it up for you. You can have 316 00:16:27,120 --> 00:16:30,450 Rob Simmelkjaer: another person do it for you, and that should help 317 00:16:30,450 --> 00:16:33,720 Rob Simmelkjaer: a lot of folks get their bibs for the RBC 318 00:16:33,720 --> 00:16:36,030 Rob Simmelkjaer: Brooklyn Half. We want to make sure people know that, 319 00:16:36,030 --> 00:16:38,130 Rob Simmelkjaer: we want this to be as convenient as possible for 320 00:16:38,130 --> 00:16:41,430 Rob Simmelkjaer: everybody. All that said, Ted, the pre- party is a 321 00:16:41,430 --> 00:16:44,760 Rob Simmelkjaer: really good time, especially if the weather's nice. It is 322 00:16:44,760 --> 00:16:48,360 Rob Simmelkjaer: a fun place to hang out to enjoy the late 323 00:16:48,360 --> 00:16:51,030 Rob Simmelkjaer: spring in New York City. It's on the water, there's 324 00:16:51,030 --> 00:16:55,440 Rob Simmelkjaer: music, there's all kinds of fun there. I highly encourage 325 00:16:55,440 --> 00:16:58,320 Rob Simmelkjaer: people to set aside a few hours. We don't call 326 00:16:58,320 --> 00:17:00,870 Rob Simmelkjaer: it the expo, right Ted? We call it the pre- 327 00:17:01,050 --> 00:17:04,500 Rob Simmelkjaer: party because it's a party that is pre the race, 328 00:17:04,500 --> 00:17:05,520 Rob Simmelkjaer: so come check it out. 329 00:17:06,359 --> 00:17:09,450 Ted Metellus: Yep. The RBC Brooklyn Half pre- party presented by New 330 00:17:09,450 --> 00:17:12,900 Ted Metellus: Balance. The location is at Pier 2 at Brooklyn Bridge 331 00:17:12,900 --> 00:17:15,090 Ted Metellus: Park, so a huge thank you to our partners at Brooklyn 332 00:17:15,090 --> 00:17:17,490 Ted Metellus: Bridge Park, who has been with us for a number 333 00:17:17,490 --> 00:17:21,210 Ted Metellus: of years in elevating what Rob has so eloquently stated, 334 00:17:21,390 --> 00:17:24,959 Ted Metellus: this party, this pre- party before the party and then 335 00:17:24,960 --> 00:17:27,480 Ted Metellus: the after party that we'll talk about in a moment that's 336 00:17:27,480 --> 00:17:31,379 Ted Metellus: in Maimonides Park there. One other thing too, Rob and I 337 00:17:31,380 --> 00:17:33,629 Ted Metellus: love that you touched on not only the times, but 338 00:17:33,630 --> 00:17:37,050 Ted Metellus: also the proxy pickup component because that helps manage people's 339 00:17:37,050 --> 00:17:40,350 Ted Metellus: experience overall. But just the number of ways to get 340 00:17:40,350 --> 00:17:42,990 Ted Metellus: there, literally every single way that you could traverse, you 341 00:17:42,990 --> 00:17:45,600 Ted Metellus: can get there. There's buses that take you over to 342 00:17:45,600 --> 00:17:48,060 Ted Metellus: Brooklyn Bridge Park. You could jump on the subway, the 343 00:17:48,148 --> 00:17:51,210 Ted Metellus: A, the C, the F, the 2, the 3, the R, they all 344 00:17:51,210 --> 00:17:53,310 Ted Metellus: make their way down there. The 4, the 5, they 345 00:17:53,310 --> 00:17:55,350 Ted Metellus: all make their way down to that general area then and 346 00:17:55,350 --> 00:17:58,500 Ted Metellus: you could walk on over. There's even ferry service, so 347 00:17:58,650 --> 00:18:01,290 Ted Metellus: taking the ferry from Governors Island, the New York City 348 00:18:01,290 --> 00:18:04,560 Ted Metellus: ferry is there, the East River ferries, the South Brooklyn 349 00:18:04,560 --> 00:18:07,320 Ted Metellus: ferries, there's ferries that are coming in as far north 350 00:18:07,320 --> 00:18:09,990 Ted Metellus: as the Bronx to make their way down to the 351 00:18:09,990 --> 00:18:13,859 Ted Metellus: venue, so looking at how you get there will help 352 00:18:13,859 --> 00:18:16,800 Ted Metellus: speed the process up. We will have volunteers along the 353 00:18:16,800 --> 00:18:18,750 Ted Metellus: way that are sprinkled about as you're making your way 354 00:18:18,750 --> 00:18:21,300 Ted Metellus: to the park to show you how to get to 355 00:18:21,900 --> 00:18:28,169 Ted Metellus: the Pier number 2. But yes, food, music, beverages, entertainment, 356 00:18:28,200 --> 00:18:31,919 Ted Metellus: incredible sites, amazing place to meet up with. It's open 357 00:18:31,920 --> 00:18:34,020 Ted Metellus: to the public, so please come on down and see 358 00:18:34,020 --> 00:18:37,710 Ted Metellus: the different programming activities and all of the things that 359 00:18:37,710 --> 00:18:39,330 Ted Metellus: we have going on leading into race weekend. 360 00:18:39,570 --> 00:18:42,030 Rob Simmelkjaer: And we should point out the merch that is there 361 00:18:42,030 --> 00:18:45,030 Rob Simmelkjaer: as well. And New Balance does a fantastic job with 362 00:18:45,030 --> 00:18:47,760 Rob Simmelkjaer: the RBC Brooklyn Half every year. They've got some unique 363 00:18:47,760 --> 00:18:51,900 Rob Simmelkjaer: stuff that is uniquely Brooklyn that they put together for 364 00:18:51,900 --> 00:18:54,510 Rob Simmelkjaer: this event, so that's another reason to come to the pre- 365 00:18:54,510 --> 00:18:57,330 Rob Simmelkjaer: party. We'd love to see you there, but we want 366 00:18:57,330 --> 00:18:59,760 Rob Simmelkjaer: to make sure you know there's ways to get your 367 00:18:59,760 --> 00:19:02,159 Rob Simmelkjaer: bib other than making it to that pre- party. All 368 00:19:02,160 --> 00:19:05,760 Rob Simmelkjaer: right, so Ted, let's get to the course itself and 369 00:19:05,760 --> 00:19:07,350 Rob Simmelkjaer: then we'll talk about the post- party. And we've talked 370 00:19:07,350 --> 00:19:10,230 Rob Simmelkjaer: about the waves. For those who haven't run it before, 371 00:19:10,230 --> 00:19:13,560 Rob Simmelkjaer: Ted, what do you think makes this course special? 372 00:19:14,310 --> 00:19:20,369 Ted Metellus: It's an interesting balance, Rob, of flat, fast, uphill, downhill 373 00:19:20,460 --> 00:19:23,820 Ted Metellus: wide space. The first half of the course, the athletes will be 374 00:19:23,940 --> 00:19:27,540 Ted Metellus: making their way over from, as I stated, Washington Avenue 375 00:19:27,540 --> 00:19:32,280 Ted Metellus: just south of the Brooklyn Museum, and they'll be running past 376 00:19:32,280 --> 00:19:36,240 Ted Metellus: some pretty cool iconic locations in that general space. They're 377 00:19:36,240 --> 00:19:38,520 Ted Metellus: making their way down Washington, make the turn on Empire 378 00:19:38,520 --> 00:19:42,300 Ted Metellus: and out in back on Flatbush Avenue going around beautiful 379 00:19:42,300 --> 00:19:46,109 Ted Metellus: Grand Army Plaza running past the Prospect Park Zoo and 380 00:19:46,109 --> 00:19:48,510 Ted Metellus: entering into Prospect Park. When they're making their way around 381 00:19:48,510 --> 00:19:51,000 Ted Metellus: Prospect Park, there'll be a bit of a climb as 382 00:19:51,000 --> 00:19:53,250 Ted Metellus: they're making their way around the park there. That first 383 00:19:53,250 --> 00:19:56,670 Ted Metellus: section of the park in the course is amazing, so 384 00:19:56,670 --> 00:19:59,160 Ted Metellus: many crowds out there, so much love, so much energy 385 00:19:59,340 --> 00:20:01,740 Ted Metellus: as you get yourself up. It's funny, for those of 386 00:20:01,740 --> 00:20:04,109 Ted Metellus: us who have run races, you always want to take 387 00:20:04,109 --> 00:20:06,000 Ted Metellus: your time on the front end. You don't want to go 388 00:20:06,000 --> 00:20:07,740 Ted Metellus: too far too fast on the front end of the 389 00:20:07,740 --> 00:20:09,780 Ted Metellus: race there, so you want to pace yourself as you 390 00:20:09,780 --> 00:20:12,270 Ted Metellus: make the way through. Once you exit out of the park, 391 00:20:12,330 --> 00:20:15,660 Ted Metellus: then it opens up to Ocean Parkway, nice and wide 392 00:20:15,660 --> 00:20:18,119 Ted Metellus: there. That's when you can really see where your training 393 00:20:18,119 --> 00:20:21,270 Ted Metellus: has been throughout the winter here, coming into the early 394 00:20:21,270 --> 00:20:23,730 Ted Metellus: part of the spring and lay the hammer as you're making your 395 00:20:23,730 --> 00:20:27,780 Ted Metellus: way down. When you're making your way down on Ocean 396 00:20:27,780 --> 00:20:30,540 Ted Metellus: Parkway, I want you to take a moment and you'll 397 00:20:30,540 --> 00:20:35,310 Ted Metellus: start seeing some of the 1700 youth that will be participating in 398 00:20:35,310 --> 00:20:38,879 Ted Metellus: the Boardwalk Run, the kids run that we have there. 399 00:20:39,240 --> 00:20:42,119 Ted Metellus: Those are our rising New York Road Runners youth, your 400 00:20:42,180 --> 00:20:44,970 Ted Metellus: future of the sport here, our future of the sport 401 00:20:44,970 --> 00:20:48,930 Ted Metellus: there that'll be running different dashes. The event programming and activities 402 00:20:48,930 --> 00:20:52,500 Ted Metellus: on the youth side starts with our wheelchair competitors. That'll 403 00:20:52,500 --> 00:20:56,280 Ted Metellus: be starting at approximately 7: 30 AM. And then we'll have 404 00:20:56,609 --> 00:21:00,510 Ted Metellus: stage 2 and stage 3 going off following that. And 405 00:21:00,510 --> 00:21:04,980 Ted Metellus: all programs will be running from approximately 7:0 AM to 9: 406 00:21:04,980 --> 00:21:08,879 Ted Metellus: 55. Once you're registered, pick up your bibs, make sure 407 00:21:08,880 --> 00:21:11,159 Ted Metellus: you can do bib pickup on- site as well. Asser 408 00:21:11,160 --> 00:21:13,740 Ted Metellus: Levy Park is the venue that you could pick up 409 00:21:13,740 --> 00:21:17,160 Ted Metellus: all your pre- event elements there for our youth. But 410 00:21:17,160 --> 00:21:19,350 Ted Metellus: back to the adults there as they're making their way down 411 00:21:19,350 --> 00:21:22,890 Ted Metellus: Coney Island, making their way onto the boardwalk. When we 412 00:21:22,890 --> 00:21:25,020 Ted Metellus: were talking about elements of the event that we have 413 00:21:25,020 --> 00:21:28,619 Ted Metellus: done to enhance, we used to many years ago, run 414 00:21:28,619 --> 00:21:32,340 Ted Metellus: up a pretty narrow path to get onto the boardwalk. 415 00:21:33,030 --> 00:21:35,940 Ted Metellus: Last year we built this beautiful ramp now to get 416 00:21:35,940 --> 00:21:38,280 Ted Metellus: the athletes up and onto the boardwalk there, so that 417 00:21:38,280 --> 00:21:41,699 Ted Metellus: was a huge plus to help elevate their participant experience 418 00:21:41,700 --> 00:21:43,530 Ted Metellus: as they're making their way out. A couple of quick 419 00:21:43,530 --> 00:21:46,020 Ted Metellus: things to see on the course themselves, and I highly 420 00:21:46,020 --> 00:21:48,659 Ted Metellus: recommend folks to take time out, look at the map 421 00:21:48,660 --> 00:21:50,700 Ted Metellus: and look at the elements that are on the map. 422 00:21:50,940 --> 00:21:54,000 Ted Metellus: There will be ten aid stations on this course. Okay, 423 00:21:54,210 --> 00:21:58,439 Ted Metellus: water, Gatorade and Maurten Gel that will be out there for 424 00:21:58,440 --> 00:22:02,310 Ted Metellus: the athletes there. Plan accordingly on that. Hydration, you can 425 00:22:02,310 --> 00:22:05,250 Ted Metellus: bring your own personal hydration with you to run this 426 00:22:05,250 --> 00:22:08,100 Ted Metellus: event there so you have that available to you. There 427 00:22:08,100 --> 00:22:10,590 Ted Metellus: will be seven medical stations on the route as well 428 00:22:10,590 --> 00:22:13,650 Ted Metellus: to provide support for the athletes as needed. We will 429 00:22:13,650 --> 00:22:17,280 Ted Metellus: have tons, and when I say tons, tons of entertainment 430 00:22:17,280 --> 00:22:20,400 Ted Metellus: on the course and cheer stations on the course, so 431 00:22:20,400 --> 00:22:23,160 Ted Metellus: run clubs, run crews will be out there. Cheer partners 432 00:22:23,160 --> 00:22:25,500 Ted Metellus: will be out there from New Balance, but also bands, 433 00:22:25,500 --> 00:22:29,280 Ted Metellus: music and vibes that'll be out there on the course as well. The 434 00:22:29,280 --> 00:22:31,830 Ted Metellus: route is going to be well- supported. Runners will have 435 00:22:31,830 --> 00:22:34,890 Ted Metellus: an amazing time while they're out there really enjoying themselves 436 00:22:34,890 --> 00:22:37,470 Ted Metellus: as they see the sights and sounds of Brooklyn. 437 00:22:38,400 --> 00:22:40,290 Rob Simmelkjaer: All right, for those who are going to be looking 438 00:22:40,290 --> 00:22:42,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: for Maurten Gel, you mentioned that that's going to be 439 00:22:42,570 --> 00:22:45,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: at mile seven, so that's the spot if you're looking 440 00:22:45,750 --> 00:22:48,720 Rob Simmelkjaer: to pick up some gel along the way. But as 441 00:22:48,750 --> 00:22:51,840 Rob Simmelkjaer: Ted said, we'll have stations, all 10 stations will have 442 00:22:51,840 --> 00:22:55,320 Rob Simmelkjaer: Gatorade and water along the way, so lots of great 443 00:22:55,590 --> 00:22:58,649 Rob Simmelkjaer: options to refuel. Hopefully we get a nice cool day, 444 00:22:58,650 --> 00:23:01,020 Rob Simmelkjaer: a little early for the weather right now. That's the 445 00:23:01,020 --> 00:23:04,139 Rob Simmelkjaer: thing about Brooklyn, Ted, in May, there's a lot of 446 00:23:04,140 --> 00:23:06,780 Rob Simmelkjaer: different weather you could have. You could have a nice cool, 447 00:23:06,780 --> 00:23:09,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: perfect day. That's definitely a day that could also be 448 00:23:09,570 --> 00:23:11,850 Rob Simmelkjaer: warm, so be paying attention to that weather. 449 00:23:11,850 --> 00:23:13,800 Ted Metellus: And there's a couple of quick things too, having gone 450 00:23:13,800 --> 00:23:16,440 Ted Metellus: out this morning to go for a run, Rob. For 451 00:23:16,440 --> 00:23:19,889 Ted Metellus: our first time, newer runners, newer half marathoners, that'll be 452 00:23:19,890 --> 00:23:21,540 Ted Metellus: out there, a couple of quick tips that you want 453 00:23:21,540 --> 00:23:23,429 Ted Metellus: to do. Yes, look at the dates, look at the 454 00:23:23,430 --> 00:23:25,710 Ted Metellus: times, look at the elements that are along the route. 455 00:23:25,710 --> 00:23:29,340 Ted Metellus: Look at how you are going to get to your 456 00:23:29,490 --> 00:23:32,760 Ted Metellus: start line and how you're going to get home post 457 00:23:32,760 --> 00:23:35,189 Ted Metellus: the event. But definitely pay attention to what you're going 458 00:23:35,190 --> 00:23:38,550 Ted Metellus: to wear that day. If it's cooler temps in the 459 00:23:38,550 --> 00:23:40,859 Ted Metellus: morning and it slowly starts to warm up, make sure 460 00:23:40,859 --> 00:23:44,250 Ted Metellus: you dress appropriately for that. We will be transporting your 461 00:23:44,250 --> 00:23:47,490 Ted Metellus: gear from the start to the finish, so there'll be 462 00:23:48,030 --> 00:23:51,119 Ted Metellus: gear vehicles, gear trucks that will be parked on stage over 463 00:23:51,119 --> 00:23:54,030 Ted Metellus: at Eastern Parkway. The team will be able to guide 464 00:23:54,030 --> 00:23:55,679 Ted Metellus: you there that you could drop your bags off, so 465 00:23:55,680 --> 00:23:58,080 Ted Metellus: please get there early enough so you can get everything dropped 466 00:23:58,080 --> 00:23:58,411 Ted Metellus: off along the way. 467 00:23:58,411 --> 00:24:00,900 Rob Simmelkjaer: How early, Ted? How early would you recommend if you've 468 00:24:00,900 --> 00:24:03,359 Rob Simmelkjaer: got the, I think you said there was an 8: 15 wave, 469 00:24:03,359 --> 00:24:05,430 Rob Simmelkjaer: what time should people get there? Especially if they've got 470 00:24:05,430 --> 00:24:06,420 Rob Simmelkjaer: to drop off baggage? 471 00:24:06,630 --> 00:24:09,000 Ted Metellus: I would recommend everybody to get on site with enough 472 00:24:09,000 --> 00:24:11,850 Ted Metellus: time to warm up, use restrooms, get cleared anywhere between 473 00:24:11,850 --> 00:24:14,700 Ted Metellus: 45 minutes to an hour beforehand so that way there 474 00:24:14,700 --> 00:24:19,590 Ted Metellus: is no rushing. Slow, medium, fast. Panic is not a 475 00:24:19,590 --> 00:24:22,290 Ted Metellus: pace, so we don't need anybody trying to hustle bustle 476 00:24:22,290 --> 00:24:25,680 Ted Metellus: so much. Cruise yourself down there. Our partners at the 477 00:24:25,680 --> 00:24:27,750 Ted Metellus: MTA will have trains making their way down, the two 478 00:24:27,750 --> 00:24:29,850 Ted Metellus: and the three, making your way over to Grand Army 479 00:24:29,850 --> 00:24:33,570 Ted Metellus: Plaza. Walk over, there'll be direct signage to direct athletes 480 00:24:33,570 --> 00:24:36,390 Ted Metellus: to what side of Eastern Parkway you'll be going to 481 00:24:36,420 --> 00:24:39,450 Ted Metellus: line up. Again, read your material that's there, but panic 482 00:24:39,450 --> 00:24:42,480 Ted Metellus: is not a pace. 45 minutes to an hour beforehand 483 00:24:42,480 --> 00:24:44,369 Ted Metellus: is enough time for you to drop your bags off, 484 00:24:44,580 --> 00:24:48,060 Ted Metellus: get screened, pre- race fluids, stretch and boogie. 485 00:24:48,840 --> 00:24:51,180 Rob Simmelkjaer: I love it. Panic is not a pace. Panic is 486 00:24:51,180 --> 00:24:55,590 Rob Simmelkjaer: not helpful either. When you are trying to get yourself 487 00:24:55,590 --> 00:24:59,369 Rob Simmelkjaer: in the right head space to run 13. 1 miles 488 00:24:59,670 --> 00:25:02,520 Rob Simmelkjaer: panic is going to take some of that fuel right 489 00:25:02,520 --> 00:25:03,990 Rob Simmelkjaer: out of your body. That is not a thing you 490 00:25:03,990 --> 00:25:08,220 Rob Simmelkjaer: want, so get there early, relax, chill, talk to some 491 00:25:08,220 --> 00:25:11,460 Rob Simmelkjaer: runners, see some friends. That's how you want to go 492 00:25:11,460 --> 00:25:13,949 Rob Simmelkjaer: into a big race like the RBC Brooklyn Half. I 493 00:25:13,950 --> 00:25:16,859 Rob Simmelkjaer: love it. All right, Ted, so our runners have made 494 00:25:16,859 --> 00:25:19,590 Rob Simmelkjaer: it to Coney Island. They have crossed the finish line 495 00:25:19,920 --> 00:25:23,070 Rob Simmelkjaer: on the beautiful Coney Island boardwalk. They have gotten their 496 00:25:23,340 --> 00:25:27,240 Rob Simmelkjaer: beautiful medals that we put together for this race. Now 497 00:25:27,300 --> 00:25:29,640 Rob Simmelkjaer: it's time for the after party, and I think this 498 00:25:29,640 --> 00:25:32,369 Rob Simmelkjaer: is one of the best events we have at New 499 00:25:32,369 --> 00:25:34,950 Rob Simmelkjaer: York Road Runners is the after party of the RBC 500 00:25:34,950 --> 00:25:38,640 Rob Simmelkjaer: Brooklyn Half because we have such a great venue to 501 00:25:38,640 --> 00:25:42,660 Rob Simmelkjaer: work with in Maimonides Ballpark there, and it's just a great place 502 00:25:42,660 --> 00:25:45,510 Rob Simmelkjaer: to hang out. Sometimes I feel like it is the 503 00:25:45,510 --> 00:25:48,240 Rob Simmelkjaer: race, is the after party because everybody just wants to 504 00:25:48,240 --> 00:25:49,200 Rob Simmelkjaer: hang out and have a good time. 505 00:25:49,230 --> 00:25:52,859 Ted Metellus: 100%. You have the pre- party at Brooklyn Bridge Park, 506 00:25:52,859 --> 00:25:56,520 Ted Metellus: the party, which is the RBC Brooklyn Half, and then the 507 00:25:56,520 --> 00:26:00,000 Ted Metellus: after party, which is all of the events and activities 508 00:26:00,000 --> 00:26:03,420 Ted Metellus: that athletes will be receiving over in Maimonides Park there. 509 00:26:03,960 --> 00:26:06,000 Ted Metellus: What you'll see and experience, which you make your way 510 00:26:06,240 --> 00:26:08,879 Ted Metellus: down... First and foremost, huge thank you to all of 511 00:26:08,880 --> 00:26:12,990 Ted Metellus: our partners in the Coney Island Alliance, Luna Park. They 512 00:26:12,990 --> 00:26:18,510 Ted Metellus: will be open, businesses will be there, restaurants, bars, all 513 00:26:18,510 --> 00:26:21,390 Ted Metellus: the places that will be open there on Surf Avenue right 514 00:26:21,390 --> 00:26:24,990 Ted Metellus: by the finish, so folks can come over there. Also 515 00:26:24,990 --> 00:26:28,170 Ted Metellus: at the ballpark, concessions will be open. You can get 516 00:26:28,170 --> 00:26:29,940 Ted Metellus: something to eat, you can get something to drink. There'll 517 00:26:29,940 --> 00:26:33,119 Ted Metellus: be music and entertainment on the field itself. Park up 518 00:26:33,119 --> 00:26:35,910 Ted Metellus: on the seats, the jumbotron screen will be there and on 519 00:26:36,090 --> 00:26:39,780 Ted Metellus: and playing, showing images of the athletes, showing pictures of 520 00:26:39,780 --> 00:26:41,879 Ted Metellus: the athletes, so it's really a cool time to be 521 00:26:41,880 --> 00:26:43,590 Ted Metellus: able to meet your loved ones, family and friends and 522 00:26:43,590 --> 00:26:46,560 Ted Metellus: have a really good time at that event. Some other 523 00:26:46,859 --> 00:26:48,720 Ted Metellus: things too that we want to know from our partner's 524 00:26:48,720 --> 00:26:51,359 Ted Metellus: side, we definitely want to say a huge thank you 525 00:26:51,359 --> 00:26:54,720 Ted Metellus: to our teams to ensure one, our volunteers that will be 526 00:26:54,720 --> 00:26:57,929 Ted Metellus: out there, see a volunteer, thank a volunteer from start 527 00:26:57,930 --> 00:27:00,449 Ted Metellus: to finish and even at the pre- party, so you definitely want to 528 00:27:00,450 --> 00:27:02,970 Ted Metellus: show them love. Medical distribution that will be there, the medical 529 00:27:02,970 --> 00:27:06,450 Ted Metellus: tents and services that'll be there, the HSS recovery zone 530 00:27:06,630 --> 00:27:08,790 Ted Metellus: that will be there for athletes to get some post- race 531 00:27:08,790 --> 00:27:11,580 Ted Metellus: stretching and loosening up, recovery bags that will have all kinds 532 00:27:11,580 --> 00:27:13,679 Ted Metellus: of food, drink and nutrition in there to get you 533 00:27:13,830 --> 00:27:16,980 Ted Metellus: set there. All of those elements will be prepped for 534 00:27:16,980 --> 00:27:19,889 Ted Metellus: you once you cross that finish line. And I think, 535 00:27:19,890 --> 00:27:23,040 Ted Metellus: Rob, if I'm correct, we'll also be doing a little 536 00:27:23,040 --> 00:27:25,619 Ted Metellus: bit of a live podcast at the finish as well. 537 00:27:26,369 --> 00:27:29,369 Rob Simmelkjaer: That's right. We're going to have a live episode of 538 00:27:29,369 --> 00:27:32,129 Rob Simmelkjaer: Set the Pace right there at the Brooklyn after- party. 539 00:27:32,250 --> 00:27:34,740 Rob Simmelkjaer: We're actually going to have an episode at the pre- 540 00:27:34,740 --> 00:27:37,320 Rob Simmelkjaer: party in Brooklyn, that's going to be at Brooklyn Bridge 541 00:27:37,320 --> 00:27:40,050 Rob Simmelkjaer: Park. That's going to be on Thursday evening, which we're 542 00:27:40,050 --> 00:27:42,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: excited about. And then we're going to have the post- 543 00:27:42,570 --> 00:27:46,199 Rob Simmelkjaer: party podcast, that's going to be right after the race, 544 00:27:46,200 --> 00:27:50,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: obviously late on Saturday morning, so please come see us. 545 00:27:50,790 --> 00:27:52,679 Rob Simmelkjaer: If you want to come check out the podcast live, 546 00:27:52,710 --> 00:27:56,760 Rob Simmelkjaer: Thursday at the pre- party or Saturday at the after- 547 00:27:56,760 --> 00:28:00,000 Rob Simmelkjaer: party and we're going to have an incredible show there 548 00:28:00,000 --> 00:28:02,100 Rob Simmelkjaer: at the after- party. We're going to have a surprise 549 00:28:02,100 --> 00:28:06,240 Rob Simmelkjaer: guest plus Olympian and running coach, Kim Conley, will be 550 00:28:06,240 --> 00:28:09,720 Rob Simmelkjaer: joining us there, so looking forward to seeing everybody out 551 00:28:09,720 --> 00:28:12,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: there. I love Ted. And we've got folks who come out and see 552 00:28:12,270 --> 00:28:14,700 Rob Simmelkjaer: the podcast live. I just had one this morning, say 553 00:28:14,700 --> 00:28:17,160 Rob Simmelkjaer: hi to me on the subway. Set the Pace listener 554 00:28:17,160 --> 00:28:19,470 Rob Simmelkjaer: who came to one of our live episodes, so we 555 00:28:19,470 --> 00:28:22,709 Rob Simmelkjaer: love seeing our listeners in person, so make sure you 556 00:28:22,710 --> 00:28:26,010 Rob Simmelkjaer: come check it out. Now Ted, before I let you 557 00:28:26,010 --> 00:28:28,710 Rob Simmelkjaer: go, let's talk about the fans, the spectators a little 558 00:28:28,710 --> 00:28:30,510 Rob Simmelkjaer: bit. They're such a big part of what make these 559 00:28:30,510 --> 00:28:34,020 Rob Simmelkjaer: races great. If you are someone who's got a loved 560 00:28:34,020 --> 00:28:37,560 Rob Simmelkjaer: one running the RBC Brooklyn Half, what are your tips 561 00:28:37,560 --> 00:28:39,600 Rob Simmelkjaer: for them, Ted, in terms of where they can catch 562 00:28:39,600 --> 00:28:42,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: their runners, the best places to be and to give 563 00:28:42,270 --> 00:28:42,960 Rob Simmelkjaer: out that love? 564 00:28:43,320 --> 00:28:46,320 Ted Metellus: I'm smiling as I'm telling you this because I've had 565 00:28:46,620 --> 00:28:50,610 Ted Metellus: friends and loved ones that have tracked me on this 566 00:28:50,610 --> 00:28:53,160 Ted Metellus: race. And this was prior to us really having our new 567 00:28:53,160 --> 00:28:56,400 Ted Metellus: sophisticated New York Road Runners racing app where you'll be 568 00:28:56,400 --> 00:28:58,320 Ted Metellus: able to track your loved ones year round at all 569 00:28:58,320 --> 00:29:01,080 Ted Metellus: the events that we do. But definitely download that because 570 00:29:01,080 --> 00:29:03,360 Ted Metellus: it'll be able to see the splits that the athletes 571 00:29:03,360 --> 00:29:06,000 Ted Metellus: have as they're making their way. But definitely seeing them 572 00:29:06,300 --> 00:29:09,030 Ted Metellus: at the start when they make their way up and around 573 00:29:09,030 --> 00:29:12,660 Ted Metellus: Grand Army Plaza, amazing shot. It's the home screen on 574 00:29:12,660 --> 00:29:15,750 Ted Metellus: my phone, which is the Grand Army Plaza loop there 575 00:29:15,750 --> 00:29:18,690 Ted Metellus: when I ran it back in '17. It's such a 576 00:29:18,690 --> 00:29:21,780 Ted Metellus: great and iconic look there. Hop on the subway or 577 00:29:21,780 --> 00:29:24,120 Ted Metellus: you can make your way into Prospect Park, see them 578 00:29:24,120 --> 00:29:26,010 Ted Metellus: as they make their way on Prospect Park. Then hop 579 00:29:26,010 --> 00:29:29,400 Ted Metellus: on the subway and head south onto Ocean Parkway. Catch 580 00:29:29,400 --> 00:29:31,740 Ted Metellus: them on the route on Ocean Parkway and then zip 581 00:29:31,740 --> 00:29:33,630 Ted Metellus: on down to Coney Island so you can have a 582 00:29:33,630 --> 00:29:37,050 Ted Metellus: Nathan's hot dog with them as celebrating their finish there 583 00:29:37,200 --> 00:29:39,810 Ted Metellus: of the RBC Brooklyn Half. There's multiple points along the 584 00:29:39,810 --> 00:29:42,780 Ted Metellus: route that loved ones can and be a part of 585 00:29:42,780 --> 00:29:45,270 Ted Metellus: this journey with you. It shouldn't just be on race 586 00:29:45,270 --> 00:29:48,660 Ted Metellus: day, definitely come to the pre- party at Brooklyn Bridge 587 00:29:48,660 --> 00:29:51,660 Ted Metellus: Park, partake in that excitement with them as well. Document 588 00:29:51,660 --> 00:29:54,240 Ted Metellus: that journey and excitement. But definitely tracking them on the 589 00:29:54,240 --> 00:29:56,280 Ted Metellus: app and catching them along the way. Hopping on the 590 00:29:56,280 --> 00:29:59,040 Ted Metellus: subway, making your way south to Coney Island and meeting 591 00:29:59,040 --> 00:29:59,430 Ted Metellus: them there. 592 00:29:59,940 --> 00:30:02,880 Rob Simmelkjaer: All right, Ted, always great to talk to you about 593 00:30:03,270 --> 00:30:06,450 Rob Simmelkjaer: our biggest races of the year, the RBC Brooklyn Half, 594 00:30:06,630 --> 00:30:09,510 Rob Simmelkjaer: so many people out there tell me that it really 595 00:30:09,510 --> 00:30:12,090 Rob Simmelkjaer: is their favorite New York Road Runners event. Of course, 596 00:30:12,090 --> 00:30:15,750 Rob Simmelkjaer: everybody loves the marathon, the United Airlines NYC Half of 597 00:30:15,750 --> 00:30:18,630 Rob Simmelkjaer: course is always special, but I think it's just something 598 00:30:18,630 --> 00:30:23,460 Rob Simmelkjaer: about seeing the ocean. There's just something that is human 599 00:30:23,700 --> 00:30:28,080 Rob Simmelkjaer: that is just inherently relaxing when you know you're going 600 00:30:28,080 --> 00:30:31,260 Rob Simmelkjaer: to see the ocean that day that makes you feel 601 00:30:31,260 --> 00:30:34,530 Rob Simmelkjaer: better about life. And so this race gives you that 602 00:30:34,530 --> 00:30:38,070 Rob Simmelkjaer: beautiful finish right there on Coney Island and one of the iconic 603 00:30:38,070 --> 00:30:41,400 Rob Simmelkjaer: spots in New York City. Ted Metellus, the race director 604 00:30:41,400 --> 00:30:44,010 Rob Simmelkjaer: of the RBC Brooklyn Half the TCS New York City 605 00:30:44,010 --> 00:30:47,610 Rob Simmelkjaer: Marathon and all things as chief event production officer of 606 00:30:47,610 --> 00:30:49,980 Rob Simmelkjaer: New York Road Runners. Thank you my friend. Appreciate it. 607 00:30:49,980 --> 00:30:51,300 Rob Simmelkjaer: We'll see you out there in Brooklyn. 608 00:30:51,750 --> 00:30:53,790 Ted Metellus: Thank you all. Looking forward to seeing you. Thank you, 609 00:30:53,790 --> 00:30:55,950 Ted Metellus: Rob. We've got to get you out there and run, baby. 610 00:31:09,120 --> 00:31:12,180 Rob Simmelkjaer: New York Road Runners is a nonprofit organization with a 611 00:31:12,180 --> 00:31:15,570 Rob Simmelkjaer: vision to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the 612 00:31:15,570 --> 00:31:19,680 Rob Simmelkjaer: transformative power of running. The support of members and donors 613 00:31:19,680 --> 00:31:22,860 Rob Simmelkjaer: like you helps us achieve our mission to transform the 614 00:31:22,860 --> 00:31:26,730 Rob Simmelkjaer: health and wellbeing of our communities through inclusive and accessible 615 00:31:26,730 --> 00:31:31,380 Rob Simmelkjaer: running experiences, empowering all to achieve their potential. Learn more 616 00:31:31,380 --> 00:31:36,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: and contribute at NYRR. org/ donate. Now it's time for 617 00:31:36,540 --> 00:31:37,650 Rob Simmelkjaer: today's Meb Minute. 618 00:31:38,370 --> 00:31:44,070 Meb Keflezighi: Mental wellness and running. Running releases endorphin, reduces stress, anxiety, 619 00:31:44,070 --> 00:31:48,510 Meb Keflezighi: and symptoms of repression. Establishing a routine provides structure, a 620 00:31:48,510 --> 00:31:53,220 Meb Keflezighi: sense of accomplishment and mental clarity. Running with community or 621 00:31:53,280 --> 00:31:57,630 Meb Keflezighi: in nature enhances mood and social connection. Setting up personal 622 00:31:57,630 --> 00:32:03,270 Meb Keflezighi: goals boosts motivation and reinforces positive mindset. Mental wellness and 623 00:32:03,270 --> 00:32:07,110 Meb Keflezighi: running is amazing and setting goals is important that are 624 00:32:07,380 --> 00:32:12,540 Meb Keflezighi: some daily, weekly, and monthly. It is beautiful and satisfying 625 00:32:12,810 --> 00:32:15,570 Meb Keflezighi: when you reach your goals and cross it out, so 626 00:32:15,570 --> 00:32:18,960 Meb Keflezighi: just make sure you are in good shape to have 627 00:32:19,050 --> 00:32:20,550 Meb Keflezighi: one goal leads to another. 628 00:32:20,940 --> 00:32:23,310 Rob Simmelkjaer: All right, that does it for another episode of Set 629 00:32:23,310 --> 00:32:26,790 Rob Simmelkjaer: the Pace presented by Peloton. Thank you to today's guest, 630 00:32:26,790 --> 00:32:30,060 Rob Simmelkjaer: New York Road Runners chief event production officer and race 631 00:32:30,060 --> 00:32:33,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: director Ted Metellus. Thanks to Meb as always as well. 632 00:32:33,870 --> 00:32:36,060 Rob Simmelkjaer: And if you like this episode, please make sure you 633 00:32:36,060 --> 00:32:39,540 Rob Simmelkjaer: subscribe, rate it, leave a comment so we can hear 634 00:32:39,540 --> 00:32:42,270 Rob Simmelkjaer: from you and others can find the show as well. 635 00:32:42,600 --> 00:32:44,520 Rob Simmelkjaer: Enjoy the miles everybody. We'll see you next week.